Facebook considering WhatsApp IM buyout?

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Facebook may be preparing to buy multi-platform instant messaging app WhatsApp, according to the latest Silicon Valley rumours.

TechCrunch are citing “source close to the matter” on the possible merger, though details are being kept so closely guarded currently that there’s no word yet on timings, pricing or the details of how WhatApp would be implemented into Facebook, let alone an official comment on the matter.

From Facebook’s point of view, it’d probably make sense; WhatsApp is an increasingly popular IM mobile client, with many of its users bypassing SMS messaging altogether in favour of it. The fact that it’s available on a variety of platforms only helps to sweeten the deal. Facebook have always struggled when it comes to instant messaging in our opinion; in both mobile and desktop forms, their current IM clients can at best be described as “functional”.

We’ll keep you posted if anything changes. As the recent Instagram buyout proved, once Facebook CEO Zuckerberg sets his eye on something, money is no barrier.